Z has acquired the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for Germany's top-flight football league, Bundesliga, in India for a five-year period, strengthening its portfolio of international sports properties.
The agreement will come into effect from the 2026–27 season, with Bundesliga matches streaming exclusively on Zee5 and airing on Unite8 Sports channels. The coverage will include live matches, highlights and additional football programming.
The acquisition builds on Z's existing partnership with FIFA and marks another step in the company's efforts to expand its football offerings for Indian audiences.
Announcing the partnership, Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer – Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said the Bundesliga's passionate fan culture, world-class clubs and emphasis on developing young talent make it one of the world's most exciting football leagues.
He added that the partnership aligns with Z's broader vision of supporting football's growth in India. As part of the collaboration, the company will launch the 'Z x Bundesliga Football Week', featuring grassroots football clinics and development programmes for aspiring young footballers, while providing access to international coaching expertise and best practices.
Peer Naubert, Chief Commercial Officer of Bundesliga Media, said India has remained a strategic market for the league because of its long-term commitment to football development. He noted that the partnership with Z goes beyond broadcasting and reflects a shared ambition to strengthen grassroots football, nurture young talent and deepen the Bundesliga's connection with Indian fans.
Earlier this year, Z announced that it would allocate 15% of Zee5's football-related subscription revenue towards programmes focused on identifying and training young football talent in India.
According to the company, the Bundesliga's fan base in India has grown by more than 50% over the past four seasons. The league has also expanded its presence in the country through youth development programmes, club collaborations and fan engagement initiatives.
